Exact time thunderstorms will strike TODAY as Met Office issues yellow warning for lightning, hail & ‘intense’ downpours

 A YELLOW warning has been issued for thunderstorms today as lightning, hail and "intense" downpours are set to hit parts of England and Wales.

More than half a month's worth of rain could hit some areas during the warning period, as 40-50mm of rain could fall in one to two hours, the Met Office said.

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The warning comes into force at 12pm today and will last until 10pm - covering most of Wales, the West Midlands, and many southern counties.

The forecaster has urged Brits to take extra care before "gusty winds arrive" and ensure movable objects such as bins and garden furniture are well secured.

It has also been advised to check if your area is at risk of flash flooding and consider preparing a flood plan and emergency kit.

This comes as thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain are expected across several parts of the UK.

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Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell said: "Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop on Monday afternoon.

"Whilst these will be fairly fast-moving, rain may be intense for short periods of time and produce 20-30 mm in less than an hour, with 40-50mm within 1-2 hours in one or two places where thunderstorms grow larger.

"Lightning, hail and gusty winds will be additional hazards. Showers and thunderstorms will ease through the evening."

She added: "There's the possibility of flooding and disruption, that's just going to depend on those heavy showers lingering."

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Hail and localised power cuts are also a possibility within the warning area.

With the average rainfall in May hovering around 70mm, some areas could see more than half the month's worth of rain, the forecaster added.

The north west of England and southern Scotland could see scattered showers this afternoon, while from tomorrow onwards the weather is forecast to be more settled.

Temperatures will reach highs of low to mid 20s, which could mean Northern Ireland and Scotland see their hottest days of the year so far, Becky said.

Reading and Bristol areas are forecast thunderstorms today after showers started to hit yesterday.

Much of the rest of the country saw a hot and sunny weekend.